Dental Treatments Under General Anesthesia Over The Last 10 Years

This study analyzed dental treatments under general anesthesia at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry of ‘A’ National University Dental Hospital from 2014 to 2023. This study retrospectively analyzed ten years of data, from January 2014 to December 2023. Data were extracted from electronic medical records, focusing on preanesthetic evaluations, anesthesia records, and surgical records. The variables analyzed included patient demographics (gender, age), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification, medical history, residence, specifics of treatment and locations, total anesthesia and procedural durations, aggregate treatment costs, actual patient expenditures, and the frequency of general anesthesia applications (including repeat procedures) throughout the study period. The study results indicated an increased use of general anesthesia, primarily for younger patients, highlighting the increasing need for specialized healthcare professionals in pediatric dentistry. The most common treatment for dental caries was restorative, followed by surgical procedures and orthodontic interventions. The number of surgical procedures abruptly increased after 2020. However, pulp treatments and restorations using stainless steel or zirconia crowns decreased over time, with increased resin restorations. Individuals with disabilities more frequently undergo repeat dental procedures under general anesthesia, indicating potential barriers to access for this population. This study emphasizes the need for comprehensive and equitable dental care for all individuals, particularly those with disabilities. Significant findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring to align healthcare delivery with evolving patient needs, policy improvements, and treatment optimization. Emphasizing the unique needs of patients with disabilities, the study calls for equitable access to dental care.